The official blog for tips, decor inspiration, and more from AC Pacific.

Menu

cabin

If you’re in your early 20s, you may have missed one of the strangest DIY home decor movements of recent memory. When the pastel geometrics and paint strokes of the 80s started to fade, they gave way to young moms and dads purchasing 90s style homes full of shelving cut outs built into high walls supporting popcorn ceilings; homes complete with pleasant blue-grey carpet and white tile, a backdrop perfect for paint stenciling and the precursor of shabby-chic: Country Clutter.

I’m sure my mom still has something like this tucked away in the laundry room.

Country Clutter was that strange ugly duckling that everyone seemed to embrace because everyone could do it themselves – despite stores popping up schlepping little figurines made of jig-sawed, hand painted wood, twisted wire, and thread spools – and before the era of Pinterest, this was the epitome of at-home decor creativity.

Shabby Chic took over from there, and thankfully the stenciled murals and crazy mix-matching of patterns has ebbed. However, the country vibe is returning, thanks in part to country music becoming much more mainstream. Today’s country is all about softness: free flowing fabrics, blushing florals, hints of leather and metallics, some fringe, and a fresh, youthful vibe.

This new country style can be adapted for home in a sophisticated yet relaxed manner. How can you tell if this style is for you? Read our guide below:

1. You own a pair of western boots, with or without bling.

2. You knew who Blake Shelton was before he was on The Voice, or listened to Tailor Swift before 1989.

3. The rustic cabin look is too harsh (or backwoods) for you, but you can’t live without your pastels.

4. While you like country, there isn’t a stitch of camo print in your closet.

7. You are perfectly okay with mixing and matching furniture styles in the same room.

Create a country chic, cozy cabin look with exposed wood beams or paneling and a focus on softness. Wispy, sheer curtains and fresh flowers set the feminine tone of this look. Mix and match different furniture pieces (tie together with colors within your palette) for a rustic, “found item” look. Keep the palette within muted pastels, and offset with subtle patterns and textures. We particularly like the feel of our upholstered bed with wood, antiqued pieces in various paint shades.

8. If you lived through the era, you still have your early 2000’s low slung, boot cut jeans hanging around in the back of your closet.